Uppermill Band – National Champions in 40th Anniversary Year

Uppermill Band represented the North West in the Third Section National Brass Band Finals this weekend.

After many hours of hard work on the set test-piece “Viking Age” the band arrived in Cheltenham for the National Finals confident and keen to produce a performance to be proud of. This was only their sixth national finals appearance since Uppermill Band was formed in 1979 and an eagerly awaited highlight of this 40th Anniversary year.

Band Secretary, Katie Woodward, attended the contest draw and Uppermill Band were drawn to play number 5 in a field of 18 bands who had qualified from across Great Britain. Musical Director, Dean Redfern, led the band onto the stage and directed an outstanding performance which was later to be described by the three adjudicators as full of atmosphere, tenderness and one that demonstrated excellent control of dynamics. Uppermill Band were thrilled with their performance and it was a long wait until the results were announced at the end of the contest, over 5 hours later.

Adjudicator, Paul Holland, summarised the contest and explained, in the opinion of the adjudicators, there was “one clear winning band”. After a tense few moments Uppermill Band and their supporters in the hall erupted on the announcement that the National Third Section Champions for 2019 was the band that played number five – Uppermill Band.

This result is the pinnacle of Uppermill Band’s 40 year history and there is a great deal to celebrate. Uppermill Band would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported them during this year and made it possible to bring the 3rd Section National Championship trophy back to Saddleworth and particularly to our home village of Uppermill.